Monterroso Scores Twice in Win over Idaho

Friday, September 19

GCU Soccer Field

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

1-5-1

Idaho

0-8-0

Idaho

Grand Canyon

Maria Monterroso

Photo by: Darryl Webb

9/19/2014 9:42:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Lopes turn 1-0 halftime deficit into 2-1 victory at GCU Soccer Field

The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (1-5-1) used two late goals from Maria Monterroso to win, 2-1, over Idaho (0-8-0) tonight on the GCU Soccer Field. The sophomore forward netted goals in the 78^th minute and 85^th minute to turn a 1-0 halftime deficit into an Antelopes victory.

Monterroso now has five goals on the season to lead the Lopes.

GCU held the significant advantage in shots, 31-8, as they held the Vandals to just two shots in the first half and six in the second. The Lopes placed 12 shots on target, led by Monterroso with four on six total shot attempts.

"It was a great win for the girls tonight," said head coach Stevie Gill. "It is always very frustrating when you are working hard and not seeing the results for your efforts. It was wonderful to have Cassie (Beckwith) back tonight as is showed what a difference she can make for us up front with her speed. Maria was in a class by herself this evening and scored two great goals."

Brylee Hawkins and Cassie Beckwith each added seven shots in the game. Getting her first start in the net, Daryl Bradley picked up two stops.

Despite holding a commanding lead in shots (19-2), GCU found themselves down 1-0 at the break due to an own goal that was scored against the Lopes in the 27^th minute. GCU had six shots on target as they kept Vandals keeper Torell Stewart busy at the net.

Over the first 45 minutes, Hawkins and Beckwith led the Lopes offensive effort with five shots apiece. Hawkins and Madison Reynolds had two shots on target for GCU.

The second half once again saw the Lopes putting pressure on Idaho's defense but without anything to show for on the scoreboard. However, Monterroso scored two goals in a span of seven minutes to quickly put the Lopes ahead. She stole the ball from Stewart to tie the score at one in the 78^th minute and was assisted by Beckwith on a cross from the right side for a long shot that sailed into the back left of the net not even seven minutes later.

GCU relied on their strong defense to keep the Vandals from knotting the score for the remainder of the contest.

"Jessica Valadez and Shannon Costello worked tirelessly in the middle of the park to help us create chances and with 19-2 shots in the first half, we did just that," added Gill. "All in all, a very good effort as we move into Sunday's game and then focus in on our conference play. We will enjoy the win and live to fight another day."

GCU will next be in action on Sunday when they take on Lipscomb at 1:00 p.m. on the GCU Soccer Field. Fans unable to attend the game can follow via live video and stats at www.gculopes.com.

GCU 2, UI